Strategic Partnerships Manager

About the Role

Brunel is seeking a Strategic Partnerships Manager to join their team in Riyadh. This full-time role focuses on expanding revenue streams from corporate clients by identifying and securing new growth opportunities for custom-designed Executive Education programs within Saudi Arabia and the broader region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sales strategies for new clients, including prospecting, needs assessment, program articulation, objection handling, contract closing, and forecasting.
• Draft business proposals and subsequent contracts.
• Conduct client visits and presentations, collaborating with the Dean, Faculty, and other relevant staff throughout the client lifecycle.
• Manage the existing client portfolio, identifying growth opportunities through renewals, upselling, and cross-selling.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships at various levels within client organizations to ensure deep service and value delivery.
• Attend program launches, closing ceremonies, company events, and networking events to foster client relationships.
• Collaborate with the Head of Strategic Partnerships on program pricing and cost/profit models to achieve appropriate profit margins.
• Monitor and manage revenue and program profitability.
• Identify client needs and work with Faculty to design pedagogical concepts with clear program objectives and learning agendas that address client business challenges.
• Liaise with Operations during program development, including confirming dates, securing Program Directors/Faculty, and developing materials.
• Ensure smooth handover from business proposal to program delivery, briefing Operations, problem-solving, and maintaining visibility while retaining client relationships.
• Continuously improve program proposals by integrating client feedback, implementing innovations, and ensuring pedagogical objectives remain relevant.
• Engage in regular client meetings to collect feedback and ensure high satisfaction levels.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree in Business or a related field.
• 8+ years of work experience, preferably in business development, sales, marketing, or consulting within a service industry.
• Knowledge and experience in Executive Education, Talent Management, L&D, and/or Leadership Development.
• Experience in the conception and design of corporate learning programs.
• Solid business acumen and the ability to influence executive decisions.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Proven experience in writing, presenting, and defending proposals.
• Ability to drive a consultative sales approach.
• Experience in developing financial proposals, including pricing and cost/profit models.
• Ability to achieve sales and organizational targets.
• Results-driven with a strong customer focus and account management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility for frequent travel and willingness to adapt working hours to business needs.
• Relevant experience in the Saudi Arabian market is required.
• Candidates must currently be based in Saudi Arabia.

Work Environment

This role is based in Riyadh and requires a professional who can manage client relationships and program development within a dynamic environment. The position involves frequent travel and adapting to business needs.